California Nursing CE & License Renewal Requirements (2026)
To renew, California registered nurses need 30 contact hours every 2 years from a BRN-approved provider. The board also requires 2 mandatory topics (listed below). Renewal: Biennial. CE reporting: No central upload; you attest at renewal and keep certificates 4 years. Verified against the California board of nursing on 2026-10-16.
Hours
30 contact hours / 2 yrs (BRN-approved CEP); LVN regulated by separate BVNPT board
Cycle & deadline
Biennial; CE must be within preceding 2-yr period; first renewal after NCLEX exempt except implicit bias
LPN / LVN
LVN (BVNPT board): 30 hrs / 2 yrs; first renewal exempt; attest, keep 4 yrs
Reporting
No central upload; self-attest at renewal; random audits; keep certificates 4 yrs
Last verified 2026-10-16 · Source: California board of nursing (16 CCR §1451) · Checked against the full official board page
California CE requirements by license type
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| RN | 30 contact hours / 2 yrs (BRN-approved CEP); LVN regulated by separate BVNPT board |
| LPN / LVN | LVN (BVNPT board): 30 hrs / 2 yrs; first renewal exempt; attest, keep 4 yrs |
Required (mandatory) topics in California
| Required topic |
|---|
| 1 hr implicit bias (for new licensees within first 2 yrs, BPC 2811.5) |
| NPs w/ >25% patients 65+: 6 hrs gerontology |
California license renewal deadline & cycle
Biennial; CE must be within preceding 2-yr period; first renewal after NCLEX exempt except implicit bias
How to renew your California nursing license
- Check your expiration date on your board portal or Nursys.com.
- Complete your CE: 30 contact hours / 2 yrs (BRN-approved CEP); LVN regulated by separate BVNPT board.
- Report or record CE: No central upload; self-attest at renewal; random audits; keep certificates 4 yrs.
- Submit the renewal application and fee on the California board site.
- Keep certificates in case of audit.
Renewal fees & late renewal
RN renewal fee: not yet verified by us. Check your board's renewal page for the current fee.
Late renewal: late fees and lapse rules vary; check your board's renewal page. Don't practice on an expired license.
CE Broker / reporting in California
No central upload; self-attest at renewal; random audits; keep certificates 4 yrs
Is California a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No. California is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact; you need a California license to practice there.
Where to take California-approved CE
Use providers accredited by ANCC or approved by your board, and check that courses cover the required topics above.
California nursing CE FAQ
How many CE hours does a California RN need?
30 contact hours / 2 yrs (BRN-approved CEP); LVN regulated by separate BVNPT board.
When does a California nursing license expire?
Biennial; CE must be within preceding 2-yr period; first renewal after NCLEX exempt except implicit bias.
What mandatory CE topics does California require?
Required topics: 1 hr implicit bias (for new licensees within first 2 yrs, BPC 2811.5); NPs w/ >25% patients 65+: 6 hrs gerontology.
Does California use CE Broker or require CE reporting?
No central upload; self-attest at renewal; random audits; keep certificates 4 yrs.
Do California LPNs/LVNs need CE?
LVN (BVNPT board): 30 hrs / 2 yrs; first renewal exempt; attest, keep 4 yrs.
Is California a compact (NLC) state?
No. California is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact; you need a California license to practice there.
Sources & verification
Official source: https://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/ce-renewal.shtml
Rule: 16 CCR §1451
Last verified: 2026-10-16. Re-fetched official page Oct 16, 2026; key figures present.